Denny Hamlin leads points standings as NASCAR heads into break before Iowa

Denny Hamlin remains at the top of the NASCAR points standings heading into a week-long break before the Iowa race on August 9. Despite a tough race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he secured another top-five finish but failed to win, he is one of four drivers locked into the playoffs. Tyler Reddick follows Hamlin in points with five wins this season but has not won since April. Other drivers, including Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott, face challenges as they position themselves for playoff contention, with both needing to improve after recent struggles. The break allows drivers to regroup before a critical stretch leading to the playoff series.

• 3:38 PMYahoo Sports — NASCAR drivers head into week-long break before Iowa race pondering playoff chase